Wenger demands urgent response from Arsenal squad

07 December 2012 03:17

Manager Arsene Wenger accepts Arsenal have little margin for error if they are to force their way back up the Barclays Premier League table.

The home defeat by Swansea last weekend made it just two wins in eight matches since the international break as the Gunners slumped to 10th place.

"The danger of our situation is the margin for error is very small, but it is also a good opportunity to show we can be consistent, and I believe we can be," Wenger said.

"Let's not go overboard. We have 24 games to play, we are in all the competitions, how many clubs would love to [be], so it is down to us to make the season right and to turn the season around well on our side.

"I am confident we will and I believe we have the quality to do it."

Midfielder Mikel Arteta was one of several first-team regulars to miss the midweek Champions League trip to Olympiacos, where a 2-1 defeat saw the Gunners miss out on top spot in Group B and with it seeding for the last 16.

The Spaniard revealed the squad were determined to put matters right tomorrow, with many having worked overtime at London Colney, analysing recent performances on DVD.

Wenger is confident of the desired response. He said: "There is one thing I don't question and that is the attitude and spirit of this team.

"But I can say that all day - what is important is that we win the game when we play, and that is what we want to do.

"We were a bit jaded [against Swansea], even if that is not accepted by many players, because we had two away games after the Champions League. I am confident we have refreshed and can show that tomorrow."